Volunteers rescue Franklin July 4th event

FRANKLIN - After it appeared earlier this year that the town's Independence Day celebration might not take place, volunteers have stepped forward to ensure its survival.

This year's celebration had been in jeopardy because of a lack of volunteers. The two co-chairmen of the Franklin Fourth of July Coalition - Warren Revell and Michael Kelly - had announced their retirement and there was no one to replace them, despite years of searching.

Revell said Tuesday that two volunteers - Paul Kortick and Joseph Carmignani - have taken on the responsibility of running the event. He said he was "absolutely" pleased that the celebration would continue.

"Once these things get lost, they tend to stay lost," he said. "A lot of people didn't want to see it go away, but they didn't want to step up to run it, either."

Revell said that although it is too late to organize a parade, there will still be festivities on the town common.

"It will look the same as it has in the past," he said, adding that the only change people will likely see is in the concert acts, which change every year. "There will still be amusements and food booths."

Revell said he believed many attendees would be unaware of any difference in leadership.

Kortick said he was pleased to step up and help - though, given the scope of the project, he wished he and Carmignani had more time.

"I'm excited that the celebration's going to continue," he said, praising Revell and Kelly for their efforts - both in organizing past celebrations and ensuring a smooth transition. "They've done an outstanding job, which makes the work we have to do easier."

Kortick said he was also hopeful that, with the carnival and booths returning, people would not notice any changes from previous years.

Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.